In a move that’s clearing the air and quieting city streets, London’s ultra-low emissions zone has an unexpected benefit: it’s getting kids to walk and bike to school more.

A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University found that two out of every five London students switched from passive to active travel after the zone took effect. This shift not only benefits the kids but also the environment and the community as a whole, explains Grist.

The Study and Its Findings

The study, which began in 2018, recruited children aged 6 to 9 and their families in central London and Luton. The researchers aimed to understand how the ultra-low emissions zone affected children’s health and activity levels.

A year after the zone took effect, the results were striking: 40% of London students switched to walking, biking, scootering, or taking public transit, while in Luton, the control group, the shift was less pronounced and more balanced between active and passive travel.

Benefits of Active Travel

The benefits of kids walking or biking to school are numerous.

Alison Macpherson, an epidemiologist at York University, emphasizes that “Walking and biking and scootering to school is better for the child, better for the family, and better for the environment.”

It can improve academic performance, mental health, and physical development, and importantly, it helps combat childhood obesity.

Christina Xiao, the lead author of the paper, notes that “Physical activity in general is vital for preventing obesity. There’s strong evidence that shows that it prevents weight gain, and also has benefits in terms of children’s physical development and mental health as well.”

Challenges in the US

Despite the clear benefits, replicating London’s success in the US faces significant legal hurdles. The closest attempts include a short-lived zero emissions delivery zone in Santa Monica and New York City’s failed congestion pricing zone.

David Reichmuth, a senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists, suggests that improving pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and building protected bike lanes can encourage active transportation.

The Importance of Active Transportation

Xiao’s work underscores the importance of active transportation for the health of children, communities, and the planet. Macpherson emphasizes that “Active transportation is sustainable transportation, and we have to not lose sight of all of the benefits that come with making the commute to school easier to do in an active and sustainable way.”

EVXL’s Take

The findings from London highlight the broader benefits of reducing car dependency and promoting active travel. As we move towards a future with more electric vehicles, it’s crucial to remember that sustainability isn’t just about the type of car we drive but also about how we use them.

Initiatives like London’s ultra-low emissions zone show that creating environments that encourage walking and biking can have a profound impact on our health and the planet.

For more on how EVs are shaping our future, check out the latest articles on Tesla.

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